Kanako Abe Concerts

Experience Kanako Abe

Kanako Abe is a highly respected Japanese koto player and composer, renowned for bridging traditional Japanese music with contemporary genres like jazz, ambient, and electronic music. Born in 1978, she began koto studies at age five and graduated from the Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music.

Abe’s career gained international recognition with her debut album *Koto no Oto* (2003), showcasing her virtuosity on the instrument. She’s collaborated extensively with artists across diverse fields, including Ryuichi Sakamoto (performing on his album *async* and touring with him), Cornelius, and visual artist Quayola. Her discography includes critically acclaimed albums like *Sakura Sakura Variations* (2016) which reinterprets a classic Japanese folk song, and *Utsuroi* (2020), exploring themes of impermanence.

Abe’s style is characterized by delicate precision, innovative techniques—often involving extended techniques and prepared koto—and a focus on creating immersive sonic landscapes. She frequently commissions new works for koto, expanding its repertoire and challenging conventional perceptions of the instrument.